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The Africa Alliance of YMCAs stands in solidarity with our YMCAs in Liberia and Sierra Leone and their people as they continue to struggle against the deadly onslaught of Ebola. We have been deeply saddened by the spread and the fear that has gripped the nations.

The YMCAs of Liberia and Sierra Leone have bravely undertaken awareness raising campaigns within their communities to help halt the spread of the Ebola virus in their region. In order to continue their work, both YMCAs are in desperate need of resources and financial support.

You can find more information on how to assist the YMCAs below.

What Is Ebola?

The Ebola virus is described as a group of viruses that cause a deadly kind of hemorrhagic fever. The term "hemorrhagic fever" means it causes bleeding inside and outside the body.

The virus has a long incubation period of approximately eight to 21 days. Early symptoms include fever, muscle weakness, sore throat and headaches.

While attention remains firmly focused on Western Africa as it grapples with the surging Ebola outbreak in the region, World Health Organisation head (WHO) Margaret Chan, has warned that the disease is spreading quicker than efforts to contain it. Officials working on treatment, prevention and containment have called the outbreak the "most severe" of its kind in recorded history and have stated that further failure to stem the spread of the disease could be devastating to the region. "If the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences can be catastrophic in terms of lost lives but also severe socioeconomic disruption and a high risk of spread to other countries," Chan stated.